In city halls throughout Central Oregon elected officials are discussing and proposing policies and regulations for the housing and real estate industry. Here we’ll keep you abreast of those conversations and decisions, as well as our efforts advocating on your behalf with local leaders.

City of Bend loosens sign code, provides more flexibility for open house signs

Recently, City of Bend Code Enforcement staff shared revisions to the City's sign code, which now allow signs in the right of way seven-days-a-week. These changes are designed to allow REALTORS® more flexibility in open house signage. The City is also implementing a zero tolerance policy for non-conforming signs - $750 fine per sign for violations + confiscation of the sign. COAR has created a new sign code FAQ for the City of Bend - click here to download this resource.

Bend-La Pine school bond passes

On May 16, voters approved a record-setting Bend-La Pine school bond in a special district election. The $268.3 million general construction bond will pay for a new elementary and high school plus more than 150 projects in facilities throughout the school district. COAR was a proud supporter of the bond measure, contributing $5,000 from the association's Issues Mobilization Fund to the "yes" campaign - learn more

Three days of review and deliberation by the Bend City Council and the Budget Committee concluded late on the night of May 11 with a unanimous approval of the proposed 616-page budget. The city's budget committee, which includes both City Councilors and citizen members, was set to approve millions of dollars in construction costs to rebuild older streets such as Galveston and Wilson avenues. But Bend Mayor Casey Roats pitched an idea to instead use the money to build a roundabout on Purcell and Empire - something the majority of councilors and seven citizen members of the budget committee supported - learn more

La Pine City Council Votes Down Proposed Garage Ordinance

When the City of La Pine proposed an ordinance requiring all single family dwellings and duplexes to have a minimum of a 1-car private, attached garage with exterior siding and paint colors the same or similar to the dwelling unit, La Pine REALTORS® were concerned about the impact of such an overly restrictive policy on the local market. COAR responded by testifying twice in opposition to the ordinance before the La Pine Planning Commission, as well as letters to both the Commission and the La Pine City Council. The latest letter came in advance of a Council vote on the policy and suggested a compromise that if a garage is built, it must meet the specifications and standards outlined in the ordinance. On May 10, the La Pine City Council voted not to pass the ordinance. This decision represents a win for REALTORS®, property owners and future property owners in La Pine! A special thanks to the La Pine REALTORS® who provided testimony, as well as their input and expertise on this issue - learn more

City and County Websites

For your convenience, we've compiled a list of the local governments in our area in case you are looking for information specific to your municipality or regional government.